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Dimitris Psaltis is a professor of Astronomy and Physics at the University of Arizona, with his research focusing on testing the theory of general relativity in the strong-field regime. Dimitris Psaltis was born in the town of Serres in 1970, and since a very young age, he knew his professional destination. His father bought him science books to urge him to love reading, and reading about rockets and Physics, made him want to go to study in the US.
 
In 2019 Dimitris Psaltis, played an important part in capturing the first photo of a black hole in human history. This great achievement will be awarded the 2020 Breakthrough Prize in California in November.
 
The $ 3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics will be equally shared by the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration (EHT). Under Psaltis' guidance and with the help of supercomputers and leading graphics processors the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration announced on April 10 that they had captured the first photograph of the black hole.

To read this article in full, please visit: ellines.com
Thursday, 03 October 2019 00:29

Swan Lake By the Russian Ballet Theater

Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake is coming to the Piraeus Municipal Theatre this October!

This gripping love story centers around Odette, a princess turned into a swan by a sorcerer's curse, and Siegfried, a prince. It is a masterpiece that connects love, romance, tragedy and magic in the most beautiful way.

It is also a unique opportunity for people to witness the world famous Russian Ballet Theater and be blown away by their spectacular performance!

Schedule

- October 9,10,14,16 & 17 at 20:00

- October 11 & 18 at 17:00 and 20:00

- October 12 & 19 at 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00

- October 13 & 20 at 12:00, 17:00 and 20:00
After the sold-out concert on October 7th, Queen Symphonic will return for one more performance on Tuesday, October 8th at the Odeon of Herode Atticus.

The band has given the chance to thousands of Queen fans around the world, to enjoy their favorite Queen hits like never before!

This highly successful spectacle involves a massive production that includes a 10-member rock band, a 60-member symphony orchestra with singers performing all of Queen’s greatest hits including, “We Will Rock You”, “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

The City of Athens Symphony Orchestra will perform led by distinguished musician and conductor, Richard Sidwell.
Thursday, 03 October 2019 00:07

Nigel Kennedy Live In Athens

Violin superstar Nigel Kennedy is headed to Athens' iconic Herode Atticus Odeon to perform his revolutionary interpretation of an all-time classic, Vivaldi's “Four Seasons,” of which his recording has sold a Guinness record-breaking 4 million-plus copies since its release in 1989.

He has performed with some of the leading orchestras in the world and is adored by his fans for his live, often eccentric and unconventional appearances.

Kennedy, who is also the best-selling classical violinist of all times, will be joined by a 30-member orchestra in order to impress the people of Athens once more, after his iconic appearance last year.

The Financial Times has called for better capitalism in The New Agenda, the newspaper's first major brand campaign since 2008.

To mark the occasion, The Financial Times scrapped its paywall for September 18, while also distributing its print edition wrapped in its new campaign cover.

Headlined as Capitalism: Time for a Reset the discussion will concentrate on the pursuit of profit and how to promote a broader sense of corporate purpose. The Financial Times aims to challenge leaders in the boardroom and beyond to safeguard the future of free enterprise and wealth creation by pursuing profit with purpose.

The New Agenda campaign will also be manifested in branded events, field marketing, through partnerships and sponsorships, and other communications.

To introduce the new concept, editor Lionel Barber said: "The liberal capitalist model has delivered peace, prosperity and technological progress for the past 50 years, dramatically reducing poverty and raising living standards throughout the world." "But, in the decade since the global financial crisis, the model has come under strain, particularly the focus on maximizing profits and shareholder value. These principles of good business are necessary but not sufficient. It's time for a reset," he continued.

The campaign is entirely content-driven. Through a series of incentives and articles, audiences will be encouraged to consider the implications of great economic and societal change, including the ethics of investing, the potential risks of high technologies, and the future of the corporation itself.

Finola McDonnell, FT's chief communications and marketing officer, said: "Our readers want a guide to the risks and opportunities that disruption brings. But they also want to be challenged: The FT has the authority and credibility to ask fundamental questions of business and, with this campaign, we are highlighting the choices that will determine the future of the economic order, reflecting what we do every day through our unrivalled journalism."


To Read A Sample Of The New Agenda Content Click Here



 

Tuesday, 01 October 2019 11:21

Discover The Wineries Of Halkidiki

Lovers of wine and stunning landscapes, you're in for a treat; Halkidiki, the three-legged peninsula in north-eastern Greece, is well known for its abundant nature and breathtaking coastline. There, you will discover a unique mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques in a beautiful setting, from to the low-lying hills of Kassandra to the monasteries of Mount Athos.
 
Alongside its natural beauty, the region boasts excellent vineyards that, together, offer wine tours that are bound to change the way you see Greece and its wines.

Take tours around the local vineyards and their wineries, go wine tasting, and discover local grape varieties you probably never knew existed. The combination of modern winemaking techniques and longstanding traditions adds to the charm. There's no way you're going home without a bottle or three, to delight your friends and relive the experience.

Top Wineries In The Halkidiki Region

Here are some of our favorite wineries in the Halkidiki region. To keep things simple we've noted their distance from Thessaloniki.

Tsantali Winery

Location: Agios Pavlos (40km, 40mins from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the panoramic vineyard and underground cellar housing more than 2,000 barrels.

Domaine Porto Carras

Location: Neos Marmaras (125km, 2.15hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because it is the largest organic vineyard in Greece.

Claudia Papayianni Estate

Location: Arnea (75km, 1.15hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the carefully selected indigenous and international varieties, and modern winemaking techniques.

Livadiotis Estate

Location: Marathousa (75km, 1.1hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: The estate's organic cultivation alongside and modern equipment produces high-quality wines.

Tsantali Mt Athos Vineyard

Location: Metohi Chromitsas (140km, 2.20hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the traditional Mt Athos winemaking traditions and the sloping hillside view of the sea.

Mylopotamos Winery

Location: Mt Athos (120km, 2hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Mylopotamos is the most significant dependency of the Holy Monastery of Megisti Lavra. According to legend, it was St Athanasios who first planted vines in the area.

When To Visit

Vineyards in Halkidiki are open all year round, but you will get the most out of your visit if you go during autumn or spring. Some wineries open to the public upon request, so be sure to call beforehand. In the autumn, the wineries are in full production mode, with staff tending the vines and the grape harvest in progress. You might even be lucky enough to witness grape treading and bottling. In April and May, the vines are bursting with life, and maybe you'll be able to spot the first grapes of the year.

To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece


Click Here To Discover Athens Vineyards Worth Visiting


Tuesday, 01 October 2019 08:00

Winter Quiet Hours Are Back

The law that restricts noise and disturbances in residential areas reverts to its winter schedule today.
 
According to the measure, residents are allowed to file a complaint if disturbances occur between 10 p.m. and 7.30 a.m. and from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. during the afternoon rest time.
 
During Common Quiet Hours, it is not allowed to carry out construction works or other noisy activities, play musical instruments or loud music or use security alarms without due cause. Residents are also required not to engage in noisy discussions and arguments that could potentially disturb neighbors.
 
Summertime Common Quiet Hours run from April 1 to September 30 between 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 3 to 5.30 p.m.
Tuesday, 24 September 2019 07:00

B&E Goulandris Foundation

The Greek capital welcomes the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation – one of the most anticipated cultural projects of the past years.

Apart from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros, Basil and Elise envisioned the creation of a museum in Athens, which would allow a broader audience to become introduced to modern and contemporary art.
The collection focuses on modern and contemporary art by Greek and foreign artists, including rare works by masters of the European avant-garde such as Cézanne, van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Degas, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Picasso, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti, Balthus, and others, as well as works by distinguished Greek modern painters including Parthenis, Bouzianis, Vasileiou, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, Tsarouchis, Moralis, Tetsis and others.
The museum covers a surface area of 7,250 sq.m. and consists of 11 floors.  The museum is home to a museum shop and a café-restaurant which is located on the mezzanine floor. On-site there is also a library with around 4,500 books, a children's workshop, and a state-of-the-art, 190-seat amphitheater, designed to host events including lectures, conferences, screenings, performances, concerts, and other artistic and scientific activities.

The foundation is located in Pagrati, within easy access from the city center and Athens' other significant museums.

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

Address: 13 Eratosthenous,116 35, Athens
Phone: 210 7252895

Working Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-22:00, Monday Closed
 
Photo: Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
 

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Seventeen-year-old Greek artist Adriano Souras spent a lot of time collecting the plastic straws that comprise The Killer Net, his politically charged art installation.
 
Adriano Souras — who is in his last year of high school — said that he and his friends spent months on end to collect the 9,000 straws that make up the piece.
 
"At first, I'd go to parks (in Athens) and, well, straws are a huge part of Greek culture, when they drink their coffee and when they have their drinks, so it wasn't too difficult to find these straws," he said. "Then, when I started getting really serious about my work, I actually outsourced to coffee shops and bakeries to get my straws from there. One of my friends went to China and brought straws from there. It was really a group effort."
 
The Killer Net, which measures about 5 meters by 4 meters, had its debut at the Design Museum of Chicago last spring before making its way to the Biosphere in Montreal.
 
"I just want to raise awareness about what's happening, even though we live in an age of social media where everyone is informed. I feel that the lifespan of a social media post doesn't have the same magnitude as an actual art piece."
 
Adriano Souras, who was 16 when he finished his impressive installation, said his social conscience derives from his parents. "I think that my parents have raised me in a way that if I see something that's wrong in the world, I feel that I should speak up. I think our generation has to deal with these problems. So I just think it's normal for me to get to this type of work."

To read this article in full, please visit: Montreal Gazette

Navarino Challenge presented this year’s strategy with respect to the environment, aiming at leaving the smallest possible footprint and becoming the first sustainable sports event in Greece. The top multi-sport wellness event, nominated at World Travel Market’s prestigious International Travel & Tourism Awards, highlighted this year's activities and announced its ambassadors. Navarino Challenge will be held in Messinia and Costa Navarino for the 7th consecutive year, from 11-13 October 2019.

The press conference for the top sports tourism event, was held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, with the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Tourism, the US Ambassador to Greece Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt, silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis and the Greek-American ultramarathon runner, Dean Karnazes, who is participating for the 7th consecutive year in the event as its ambassador in Greece and abroad.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis stated, through the director of his office Ms. Marianna Delkou: “I congratulate you on all your work that brings to light the natural beauty of our country, preserves the cultural heritage of Greece, cultivates environmental awareness and healthy nutrition by creating a valuable entirety of health and wellness based on the Olympic values of culture, the spirit and body, the pursuit of excellence and the admiration of beauty”. 

On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Special Advisor Ms. Eleni Tzelepoglou stated: “Ministry of Tourism embraces the effort of Navarino Challenge, in the context of our strategy to develop the Greek tourism product through sports and improve its quality and sustainability. Especially in this case, with a tone of diversity and national identity offered by Greek geography as well as the leading Greek athletes with international prominence participating in the event. To the extent that this effort follows the purpose of the Olympic movement and is within the Olympic spirit: "Sports Unite People". We are proud that this year's Navarino Challenge will be promoted internationally through the International Travel & Tourism Awards presented by the World Travel Market in the “wellness” category. We congratulate everyone who contributed to this success and we are on the side of this event”. 

US Ambassador to Greece Mr. Geoffrey R. Pyatt highlighted afterwards: “First of all, let me say what a pleasure it is to have my friend Dean Karnazes back here, someone who is a great ambassador for the U.S.-Greece relationship and especially our important diaspora. This event, the Navarino Challenge, has many connections to the United States, starting with its location at Costa Navarino, a Marriott Westin resort, which has been an innovator in finding ways to grow the Greek tourism season. I also want to say just a few words about my friend Dean. He is a world-renowned American athlete, who is also very proud of his Greek identity and family roots. And like his colleague Nick Galis, he’s somebody who has very much demonstrated the power of the Greek American diaspora to reinforce the bilateral relationship that I am here to build. Have not done the Navarino Challenge but I consider myself lucky over the past three years to have discovered a lot of the sports potential of this country. But I want to underline that we are hoping to see much more U.S. investment and involvement in the Greek tourism sector. Of course, Costa Navarino has been at the forefront in this effort to grow Greek tourism, to do so in a sustainable way that’s respectful of Greek culture and leverages all the fantastic aspects of this country. So I wish good luck to all the athletes and a successful competition again this year.”

Consequently, Active Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akis Tsolis said: “Seeing all of our hard work being rewarded, through this year's entries and awards in Greece and abroad, we sought to move one step further in order to make Navarino Challenge, the first event of its kind in Greece that will highlight all the values ​​of sustainability. As a part of this year's event we attempt to leave a positive impact by creating a sport event characterized by sustainability. Navarino Challenge is an innovative Greek brand that has become Global. It is, therefore, our obligation to change, evolve and become better by paving the way for sports tourism”. 

Shortly after, Managing Director of TEMES, Mr. Stefanos Theodorides highlighted: “Navarino Challenge returns in a few weeks to Messinia and Costa Navarino, for the 7th year, with great resonance and the warm support of the local community. The success of Navarino Challenge, which is established as one of the most important sports tourism events in our country, is a result of the convergence of all - private initiative, local and state bodies - demonstrating the important role this industry can play in tourism development and in attracting new audiences”. 

Consequently, the ultramarathon Dean Karnazes highlighted: “Any of you that have been to Navarino Challenge and experienced it, I think that’s the best thing that I could say. It is really a magical event and I do events across the world. It’s world-class and innovative in every single way. Sports tourism is the future of Greece I believe. There is no place like Greece for running and it is the birthplace of running. In seven years of visiting Greece, I felt more enthusiasm than this year ever before”.

On behalf of the athletes, silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming, Spyros Gianniotis, remarked: “Navarino Challenge remains since its very beginning a beautiful event. The feeling you get from participating in it is unique, such as running in the sand of Voidokilia and swimming in Pylos, in an outstanding landscape. It is the best advertisement for our country”. 

Finally, Qatar Airways Sales Manager Greece, Mr. Alexandros Michalopoulos, highlighted: “Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves, and for the fifth consecutive year Qatar Airways is the official airline partner of Navarino Challenge, which is a multiple award-winning sports tourism event aiming to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy living, exercise and the Mediterranean diet as well as the issue of childhood obesity through its numerous sports activities. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together”.

Present at the press event were among others, the twice Olympic medalist in rowing Vassilis Polymeros, the Olympic and World Champion at 400m. with hurdles Periklis Iakovakis, world champion in open water swimming Kelly Araouzou, former international volleyball player who holds the record of participations in the Greek National Team Michalis Triantafyllidis, boxing champion Christos Gatsis, pilates instructor Mandy Persaki and personal trainer Dimitris Moros.
 
Hellenic Rowing Federation President and Olympic Preparation President in the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC), Mr. Ioannis Karras, as well as Mr. Makis Asimakopoulos general coordinator of the Athens Authentic Marathon that initiated its cooperation with Navarino Challenge earlier this year, were also present among other official partners of the event.

The event innovates with a new technical t-shirt!

As the official sports supplier of Navarino Challenge, LUANVI, the leading force in the field of sports apparel offers once again the official t-shirt of the event. A special technical t-shirt for the participants, that as of last year contains elements from Messinia to enhance the feeling of remembering and unforgettable experience in order to highlight the cultural elements of the area. With this criterion in mind, the ancient symbol rodax or rodakas, found also during the Byzantine period whilst dominating Messinian life in ancient Greece, will appear on the t-shirt this year. At the same time half marathon finishers will receive a special t-shirt with Voidokilia. 

Seaweed medal for the participants!

The event continues to innovate and brings new surprises. This year's participants will receive a medal made only of seaweed from the event’s official supporter, PHEE, a company that innovates by promoting the principles of “green” entrepreneurship and the reuse of natural resources.

ON company, the event’s official shoe partner, via Panellinios Agora Games didn’t choose Navarino Challenge by chance. With a clear orientation on sustainability, the industry leading Swiss company aims to create the first sustainable running shoe in the world.

Watch the following video and enjoy some moments from the top Ford Go Further Half Marathon

Navarino Challenge will cooperate for the second time with HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations. As an official banking partner, HSBC will support this year's event and will be the exclusive sponsor of the bike activity (Bike ride at Voidokilia by HSBC) by promoting the message “Together we thrive!”.

Offers

Participants at the 7th Navarino Challenge will have the opportunity to enjoy special discounts from sponsors and discount partners of the event during their stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. To view current offers, please click here.

Program

For more information on the detailed event program, click on the following link.

Accommodation Packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

More information on accommodation packages can be found here.

Registrations continue for running and swimming

Entries for the award-winning sporting event are underway and interested parties can take part by completing the special form available here. Pre-sale is also available online via www.viva.gr or by phone at 11876 as well as at all Viva pre-sale points.

Hashtags

#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor Of Navarino Challenge 2019


Samsung is the official technology partner for another year. Official sponsors of the event are Ford Motor Hellas and the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”.
Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for one more year.
Nutramins is the official health supporter of the event.
Official supporters are Poseidonia, PlantBox, PHEE and Municipality of Pylos- Nestor.
HSBC is the official banking partner. Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner for the first time. ON is the official shoe partner. Athens Medical Group is the event’s medical partner. Partners of the event are Pylos Poems, Fysiotek Sports Lab, Karalis Beach Hotel, Athens Easy Transfers. Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24MEDIA its premium media partner. All event’s equipment transfers will be made with Pilia Express.

“Navarino Challenge” supports: a) the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis with a program on Food Aid and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, DIATROFI, and through the Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation: b) WWF Greece and c) Karkinaki, through the GivenGain online platform.
As part of this year’s “Navarino Challenge”, Barney Spender and Roddy Gibson’s award-winning documentary “The Road to Sparta” that recounts the effort of four runners, including that of Greek-American ultramarathon Dean Karnazes (who participated with the Navarino Challenge Support Team) to run the “Sparthathlon” race, will be screened at the Agora, Costa Navarino, on Friday, October 11. The documentary will also have a charitable cause, in order to honor the recent loss of Barney Spender’s wife from cancer.


“Navarino Challenge” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation. Coastal rowing relay race and demonstration is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Rowing Federation, while all running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club, EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region and the approval of the Hellenic Athletics Federation [SEGAS]. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia.
Athletic Partners: Explore Messinia, F45 The Pearl, FitnessArt, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club 5
CSR Partners: Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation, WWF Greece, Karkinaki, Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis
Volunteering Partner: Phaos
Assisted by: VitaNTravel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Target Security, Pilia Express, Kayak, Nestor, Blackmile, Epathlon, METAXA, The Blue Beetle, Fever-Tree, NoS, Southern Comfort
Discount Partners: Anazoe Spa, Armyra, Attica Selections, Bio & Pharma, Branco, Kafenio & Deli, Kessaris, Kooc Taverna Secrets, Lol the brand, Nargile, Panellinios Agora Games, Souvlakerie, The Diner, Tsamis Eyewear Boutique

 

 
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